Former soldiers to receive free West Midlands bus travel
Ex-soldiers and service personnel will be given free bus travel to help them find a job outside the Army.
Bus company National Express West Midlands has also said it will let families travel for free to visit wounded soldiers at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
The scheme comes as the company pledged it would guarantee anyone leaving the armed forces an interview for a job as well as 10 days extra holiday for any staff who are reservists.
A new 'Welcome Home' ticket will give ex-service personnel a month's free bus travel to find work outside of the forces, plus a family version for those relocating from postings.
Dudley-based bus driver Dave McKee, aged 28, a reservist, returned this week from a tour of Afghanistan.
Private McKee, from Stourbridge Road, Halesowen, had been stationed at Camp Bastion with 159 Supply Regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps.
He said: "Free travel will really help soldiers when they are looking for work.
"The extra time off is also really great. We already organise our training around our days off but this will be a massive help."
Coach driver Kimron Musa, aged 23 and from Walsall, served in the 13 Air Assault Support Regiment.
He now drives on coach services from Birmingham to Gatwick and Stansted airports.
Mr Musa said: "I'm really pleased that National Express is showing its support for the military.
"As an ex-serviceman I know how important it is because I have seen first-hand the sacrifices my friends and colleagues make."
Peter Coates, managing director of National Express West Midlands said: "Supporting the men and women who sacrifice so much for us and our country is vital.
"That is why we are helping families visit those injured in service, guaranteeing Armed Forces leavers interviews to help them move on to new careers, and giving our employees who are reservists 10 days extra annual leave."
